Empire Sniper help!

I just bought an Empire Sniper from a buddy of mine back home for super-cheap, and inherited his problems.

Problem #1: The auto-trigger came removed from the gun when I received it, but when I try to install it the gun no longer fires. The AT isn't a very complicated design so idk what the problem is. Whenever I install the AT it blocks the trigger pull, preventing the gun from shooting at all.

Problem #2: the pump stroke is pretty bad. Like, it gets stuck about mid pump stroke, like it is catching on something. It isnt the bolt O-ring catching on the detents, it just seems like there is a lot of friction somewhere in the stroke, and I can't figure out why. The return spring is still in it, and doesnt seem to be causing a problem. And the guide rods are both the same length (i've heard that can cause problems)

Also when I had a sniper, one rod had to be screwed into the sled more than the other or else the rods would bind in the guide holes. Basically if I counted the threads exposed out of the sled. One side had two more threads showing. If I screwed them in the same amount the pump stroke was aweful.

Try adjusting the rods until you find a spot that smoothes the pump stroke out. Clean the guide holes and hammer really well. Hopefully this helps.

Remember the auto trigger arm needs to be on the left side of the marker.